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Richard Coia Obituary
Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Albert and Ida (Valenti) Coia. Mr. Coia was an air force veteran of the Korean War. He was a lifelong resident of Pawtucket before moving to South Attleboro in 1998. He worked in the Department of Public Works for the City of Pawtucket for 15 years, retiring in 1998. He was Past President of Kennedy Collins Post 76, American Legions, a member of Nation Legion Amvets, and a past manager in the Pineview Little League.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his daughter Sharon Hudon of Southbridge, MA, two sons, Dennis Coia of Warwick, and Robert Coia of Mansfield, MA, his sister, Sandra Marchione of Providence, and five grandsons. He was the brother of the late Albert Coia and Helen Senft.
The funeral will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. from the COSTIGAN-O'NEILL FUNERAL HOME, 220 Cottage Street, Pawtucket, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in Saint Theresa Church, 18 Baltic Street, Attleboro, MA. Relatives and friend are invited. Visiting hours Monday 5-8 p.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations to Compassionate Care ALS Inc., PO Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574, would be appreciated. For more information visit us at rifuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Coia
Dennis Coia
November 27, 2007
I want to thank everyone for the kind words and support during my family's difficult time. My dad was my confidant, mentor, and friend. I always enjoyed talking to my parents and asking for their opinions on many things, since they had so much experience. Sharon pretty much summed it up with the eulogy how we felt. We all loved him because he was a great husband to our mom, a wonderful father, and a loving,caring grandfather, who treasured his grand kids. I'm so grateful that he and my mom had some enjoyable retired years together traveling and being with the grandkids. We'll miss him a lot, but always enjoy the legacy he left us with. He'll never be forgotten, but remembered with love and humor.
derek coia
November 12, 2007
dear pepere,
I have preavously signed guest book's and didn't know what to say but when it comes to you there's so many memories i can say about you. But i'm gonna say thanks for telling me how to cut the lawn the proper way because now my lawn looks beautiful. Thank you for being there when i needed you and to see that great smile of yours that made me feel good inside.
you were great to me and my brother there are so many memories that me and him will cherish for the rest of our lives. it was hard for me to know you passed but i think of you everynight and just think of good times. I know you look down on us all everyday and memere is in good hands and she is cared very much. I remember every new years going to your house you'd always be smiling when i came and you said want some snail salad.
when i think of you i think of your careness, your smile, and that great laugh of yours. I'm happy to say that I knew swuch a great grandfather and i will always remeber your sweet laugh, i'll miss you.
love always,
Derek
derek coia
November 12, 2007
dear pepere,
I have preavously signed guest book's and didn't know what to say but when it comes to you there's so many memories i can say about you. But i'm gonna say thanks for telling me how to cut the lawn the proper way because now my lawn looks beautiful. Thank you for being there when i needed you and to see that great smile of yours that made me feel good inside.
you were great to me and my brother there are so many memories that me and him will cherish for the rest of our lives. it was hard for me to know you passed but i think of you everynight and just think of good times. I know you look down on us all everyday and memere is in good hands and she is cared very much. I remember every new years going to your house you'd always be smiling when i came and you said want some snail salad.
when i think of you i think of your careness, your smile, and that great laugh of yours. I'm happy to say that I knew swuch a great grandfather and i will always remeber your sweet laugh, i'll miss you.
love always,
Derek
Nancy Coia
November 8, 2007
Dear Dad,
I find it hard to think of what so say, But wanted to put an entry in your guest book. First I would like to say "Thank you". Thank you for being a wonderful Father-In-Law. But most of all for being the "BEST" grandfather to James, Derek, Aidan, Alec, And Eagan. They will love and miss you always. You were such a caring, loving man. You may have been my Father-In-Law But in my heart you were just like my "Father". You always made me feel special, loved, just like one of your own.The one thing I will always remeber is your kind "Smile". Although you left us before we were ready to let you go, I know time will lessen the sorrow we feel But never lessen the love we all had for you, or the love you showed all of us. Our memories with you will be treasured and will live on forever. You will be greatly missed But never forgotten.
Love Always,
Nancy
Gail Annunziata
November 4, 2007
Dennis, Nancy and children,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.
James Coia
November 4, 2007
Dear Pepere,
How do I even begin to write something about you. It's so hard for me. I'm the oldest grandchild, and I've seen Derek, Alec, Aidan, And Eagan grow up just as much as you have. I know your proud of us all. You taught me so much over the years and I never really looked at all the different things I now know if it wasn't for you. We had so many great times together, weather it was with the rest of the family or outside cleaning up your yard, or just a "boys day out". We have so many memories together that I can never forget.
I realized something with your passing though. That is, that you really don't know how much someone has had an impact on your life till its to late to realize. And You've don't just that. I now look at life very differently and cherish everyday more and more. I make sure that I make no regrets, because you never know what could happen.
I know that times are hard for all of your friends and family but all we have to do is remember all good times that we had with you. I can ember the times on Thursday nights when you would baby sit me when I was younger. I always had spelling homework. And I was never good in spelling. But every Thursday night you would sit down with me and go over every word till I new it, and you would always make sure I did good on my spelling quizzes. And after we finished you would tell me a joke to make me laugh and give me that great big warm smile that you always have had sense I can remember. I'll miss that the most.
Now that your gone it wont be the same, but we all will make it together and stay strong because we all our here for each other just like you were always here for us. We all miss you pep, but well see you again someday, but until then I know that your always going to be in our hearts. And I just want you to know that you don't have to worry about memere because you left in her in great hands.
I Love you, And Miss you very much pepere. Keep us safe as you look down on us. And the sky looks even more beautiful now knowing that your up there.
Love Always,
James.
Sharon Hudon
November 2, 2007
I’d like to start out by saying this is probably the most difficult time in all of our lives to lose a loved one, especially when it’s your father. Our dad was someone who was almost never called just dad as we grew older but “daddy” even by our Mom so people around us would know he was someone special. The crow’s feet around our dad’s eyes were not from age but from years of smiling and laughing so much. His big belly would conjoin with his laughter whenever his grandchildren said something funny or his “favorite son-in-law” told one of his many jokes.
For many years when we were growing up our dad would often be outspoken, especially with myself in regards to choices we would make with our lives but always following it up with, “I’m only concerned about you.”
He often had trouble expressing his emotions with all of us in the early years, probably from the old school macho image of “you better not get too close or something might happen,” but as years went by and the grandchildren came no longer were those emotions pent up—he couldn’t help but be emotional with his grandchildren.
My father loved sports and we all spent weekends watching many football games. There was a time he and my brothers went to a Patriot’s game at Gillette stadium and one of the kicks was shanked sharply in the direction they we all sitting. Well, I guess it was a total pig-pile in the area they were all sitting and my brother Bobby managed to get the ball and my father wrapped it in his old Air Force blanket we used so many times over the years to make sure no one would try to take it away
James and Derek would recall so many times Pepere would take them to the movies and minature golf. They could also tell you of the times that Pepere would have them mow the lawn and of course, pay them for it but be sure to always stand by and make sure they did it specifically to his liking.
Our parents so loved watching Aidan and Alec play touch football on the weekends and just as much fun was watching Eagan and all of his antics at the games.
Mom and Dad are firm believers in their faith. I did not realize until recently, how much my father enjoyed reading his Daily Guideposts every day for the last several years. Just recently Tedd and I recalled one special story from the guideposts which we shared with my parents just before my fathers’passing (see reading).
Our Mom had so many more years with our Dad—49 to be more specific—a lifetime. How many things happen to a relationship over all those years-children, jobs, travel, friendships. They have and have had so many friendships together. Any time you talked with our parents they always talked about people they met in their travels, friends they made. Everyone enjoyed their company. They never prejudged anyone! What a gift in this day and age and all of these people are here to celebrate that friendship today.
We have all made a promise to our Dad that we will take care of our Mom for without her we wouldn’t be here talking about our Dad. She is the one we all need to be strong with and for. We will all persevere through this difficult time and we all will be better people for it. This is what our Daddy would have wanted and this is who we all are. Thank you all for coming today in remembrance of our Dad.
Joe Caprara
October 30, 2007
Dear Dorraine and family,
I was very sorry to hear of your loss. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Joe Caprara
Kerry Quirk
October 29, 2007
Dear Auntie Nancy, Uncle Dennis, James and Derek,
I'm so sorry to hear about your grandfather's passing. It is really hard when you lose someone you love, but we are all here to help you get through. I'm sorry I wasn't able to make it to the wake, but my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I love you!
Arlene St.Jacques
October 29, 2007
Dorraine, Sharon, Dennis and Bobby, you are like a second family to me, the times we have spent together are priceless. Dicks passing is a very great loss, he was a special husband, father and grandfather and of course friend. Having had these losses too, I do know what you are going thru right now. Prayers, love for each other and time, will bring you thru this; not that it will be easy, it will not!I promise you, the day will come when you can talk about Dick and not cry, the memories you have in your heart will be yours forever.
Love, Arlene
October 29, 2007
To The Coia family
Dennis, I am so sorry for the loss of your father and what your family is dealing with at this time. You were at my home just several weeks ago discussing ALS. I could not believe when I saw your father had passed. Although I only met him twice, he seemed a very gentle loving man who cared very much for his wife.
God Bless to all of you, especially your Mom. I hope she is doing okay. Please contact me if there is anything I can do to help.
Sincerely
Karen Rebello
Pawtucket(from Compassionate Care)
Kathy Quirk
October 29, 2007
Dear Mrs. Coia, Dennis, Bobby, Sharon, and your families,
We are very sorry for the loss of your husband, and father. It has been a sincere honor to have known Mr. Coia, and have him be a part of my/our extended family. His infectious smile will be everlasting in my mind. I will remember him at family cookouts, or birthdays, as the guy who sampled all the food, and always made a point to say hello to all. It was evident that Mr. Coia was an outstanding father, grandfather, and husband. Our continued prayers are with you all.
Sincerely, and with love,
Kathy, Raymond, Caitlyn, and Kerry Quirk
P.S. To Derek and James,
Special thoughts are with the two of you. You are both fine young men, and I know your Grandfather meant alot to you. You both are loved very much. Love, Auntie Kathy Uncle Ray, Caitlyn, and Kerry
Richard Ball
October 29, 2007
Dennis
Our thoughts are with you during this time time. From all your
co-workers from the city.
MICHELLE (Missy St.Jacques) & STEPHEN RAYHORN
October 29, 2007
Dorraine and family,
I was soooo deeply saddened to hear about Mr Coia's passing. During this difficult time and always, please know our thoughts and prayers are with you! We too know about loosing a father and can not extend how sorry we are for your Dad's passing. Dorraine-please know we love you. Our hearts go out to all the Coia family.
Matthew Richards
October 29, 2007
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the entire Coia family. I will always have fond memories of the man that was a big part of my childhood.
John Batista
October 28, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Harold J. Miller Jr.
October 28, 2007
Dear Mrs. Coia:
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your loving husband. Dick was a good friend, and very helpful to me when I got into politics. Although I haven't seen him since I left Pawtucket. I will always have fond memories of him.
Sincerely,
Harold J Miller Jr.
Sue Ann Votta
October 28, 2007
Auntie Dorraine and Family, I feel blessed that Uncle Dick came into our lives. He will be remembered so fondly and with many happy memories of his great big smile that always lite up a room. Please take comfort in our prayers to help you and the family through this difficult time. We are all here for you, always. With deepest sympathies and much love, Sue Ann, Lou and Alicia
Bob & Cookie DeLomba
October 28, 2007
Dear Dorraine & family
We are so sorry for your great loss. It is a great loss for us too. We will miss him. He was a great friend & just an all around good guy. God be with you at this time.
love Bob & Cookie
Bryan Anger
October 28, 2007
Our Condolences to the whole Coia Family Our Prayers go to all from the Anger Family
Joseph Durkin
October 28, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies are with you all.
Love Always,
The Durkin Family
CHRIS BARRETT
October 28, 2007
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Ed Hayden
October 28, 2007
Dear Dorraine and family,
Please know that our prayers and thoughts are with you at this
difficult time.
Ed and Carolyn Hayden
Bill Flood
October 28, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Old Sacred Heart friends. Linda & Bill Flood formerly of Pawtucket, R.I.
Bill, Lisa, Marissa, & Billy Bowden
October 28, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Toni (Santos) Machado
October 28, 2007
Dorraine, Sandra and Famiy, I am sorry for your recent loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you at this time.
The O'Neill Family and the Staff of Costigan-O'Neill Funeral Home
October 28, 2007
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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